BBA in AIS at United International University: Good Value for Money
With an eye to preparing aspiring professional accountants, United International University (UIU) launched its specialized program, BBA in Accounting & Information Systems (AIS), in 2012. The initiative came in response to a clear national demand. According to the World Bank, Bangladesh needs more qualified accountants to support its growing economy. Among private universities, UIU remains the only institution offering such a program, bridging traditional accounting education with information systems and analytics.
Over the years, the program has already produced twelve professional accountants, with many more in the pipeline. Numerous AIS students are currently engaged in articleships at the Big Four audit firms, while alumni have found positions in leading banks, audit firms, and multinational companies across the country. The program’s academic excellence has been globally recognized. It received ACBSP accreditation (USA) in 2019 without any notes or conditions, confirming its commitment to international standards, quality assurance, and credit transferability. In 2023, it achieved another milestone by earning ACCA accreditation (UK), under which AIS graduates are granted six course waivers out of thirteen, paving a faster route toward global professional recognition.
The program’s network of strategic collaborations with both local and international professional bodies, including ICAB, ICMAB, ICSB, and BICM, offers students tangible academic and financial benefits. Fully or partly qualified accountants receive substantial course waivers, while members of professional bodies are often exempted from the AIS admission test. Graduates pursuing professional certifications enjoy meaningful fee concessions such as Tk. 100,000 in ACCA waivers, up to Tk. 28,500 from ICMAB, and a 30 percent discount from BICM.
Beyond professional linkages, UIU ensures financial accessibility for its students. Each trimester, scholarships covering 100 percent, 50 percent, or 25 percent of tuition are awarded based on academic performance, with around 15 percent of AIS students currently benefiting. In total, scholarships worth nearly Tk. 1 million are disbursed every trimester. High-achieving students also get opportunities to work as Undergraduate Assistants (UGA), Teaching Assistants (TA), and Research Assistants (RA), helping them gain valuable experience while supporting their peers.
To stay aligned with market needs, the AIS curriculum undergoes regular revisions in consultation with industry experts and alumni. New courses such as Corporate Financial Reporting and Sustainability Accounting have been introduced, with Management Audit and Analytics soon to follow. Analytics has already become an integral part of managerial accounting courses, acknowledging the growing demand for data-driven decision-making in today’s business landscape. Students also receive hands-on training in leading accounting and analytics software like QuickBooks, Redbook, Xero, Tally, and Power BI, ensuring they graduate with practical, job-ready skills.
Outside the classroom, the program nurtures professional development through seminars, IFRS quiz competitions, industry-academia talks, and regular visits to industries and audit firms. These experiences, combined with guidance from a faculty team comprised largely of Ph.D. holders and professionally qualified accountants, make the learning environment both dynamic and career-focused. An active Accounting Forum runs throughout the year, organizing events that build students’ confidence and leadership skills.
UIU also guarantees a 100 percent internship placement for AIS students, supported by transport pick-up points spread across the city, ensuring both professional exposure and convenience.
As the nation’s demand for skilled accountants continues to rise, UIU’s BBA in AIS stands out as a comprehensive and forward-thinking program that blends academic excellence, industry relevance, and financial accessibility. For students aspiring to build successful careers in accounting, finance, or business analytics, it offers not only a degree but a genuine return on investment.
